Active Member

As usual i'm one of the first through the door since Submerged
I'm still excited that i met the man himself this week and i was able to see his new STEP FORWARD movie!!!
And now is coming the suprise - this is his BEST DTV!!! Most of the fans all over the web(Schwarzenegger, Stallone, Dolph, vAN Damme forums) knows that i'm a huge movie fan with over particular eyes.
Wery well directed,good camera movement and great soundtrack.

The bad: The only issue is with the cover wich all saw that is very bad one, like urban justice and it's the only reason to be a selling/renting problem and Lance Henriksen is in the movie like Danny Trejo was in Urban Justice. Steven should insist to have such supporting actors more in his movies (like it was with Michael Caine)

The promo reel didn't trick us, he does not have any stunt double, dubbing and other eastern european issues and all the fight are remembering the good old days ( he did not lost any weight maybe he gained little more while the concerts but he is in a good shape, with great moves)
It has to be a success!

Disgruntled fan!

Howdy folks, here's my review. And also bear in mind people, you probably know by now I always stand back and look retrospectively and critically before I review. I'm often very realistic (let no one call it harsh) so when you see the following, you'll appreciate just what sort of standard film you'll be in for. Folks this is no pretender like Urban Justice, or even ITS or BOTB, this really is a Seagal film.

Pistol Whipped:
After many years of some of the direst DTV films imaginable, Steven Seagal finally does a film that doesn’t need to be rated simply on: how much stunt work he‘s done, or fighting, talking and general set attendance, to come up favourable. Pistol Whipped in the end, actually delivers not only Seagal’s best film since Under Siege, yes, Under Siege, but it’s just a decent action film full stop. This is far beyond the bare minimum delivery of some of his better DTV flicks, such as Belly Of The Beast and Into The Sun. For starters the film has a surprisingly good screenplay, penned by the guy who came up with Ronin. Indeed it doesn’t suffer from mounting plot holes and pointless subplots, it has a twisting narrative that never becomes too convoluted. The biggest reasons though, as to why this will blow the pants of any Seagal fans who thought Urban Justice was a work of brilliance, are Seagal himself, and director Roel Reine. Both combine to deliver both vintage Seagal, but also a vintage, kick ass action film.

Seagal is up for it here. Despite looking possibly as heavy set as he‘s ever been, he’s reverted to a sheer badassedness not seen since Glimmer Man. Some have pointed to his weight as a problem being the tough guy action man, but truth is, the biggest problem in films such as Attack Force, or Flight Of Fury (to name two of a truck load of Turkey’s) is the complete lack of any enthusiasm shown by Seagal. Essentially the promise shown in the efficient, though mediocre, Urban Justice (which gave Seagal plenty of crunching moves and one liners) is fulfilled totally in Pistol Whipped. Seagal is back to his hard talking, quick fisted best! Not only does he have good lines coming out the wazoo, and not only does he show lightening quick moves in his numerous, and well choreographed fight scenes, but get this: Seagal…gives a performance! And get this too: He’s playing a character with some dimension! This is one of Seagal’s best performances. He’s human here, he’s got soul, and that charisma is turned on. It’s the perfect sort of character for Seagal. It engages him, without going past his limitations. There’s a sense at times of ad-libbing, like Seagal puts a stamp on his character, and that’s a good thing, boy is it a good thing! The support cast is also very good. Paul Calderon, Arthur Nascerella and Bernie MclNerney are all recognisable faces, adding a bit of class to the affair, and Lance Henriksen also does a good job in his extended cameo. However Seagal steals the show here.

Given the films meagre budget, every penny is eeked out to give the film a sleek look, that seems at least double what it is. Director Reine does a great job here. Obviously coming from an Indie film background, means he’s used to working with little money, but given the budget for Pistol Whipped was probably far beyond anything he’s previously had at his disposal, it seems as if Reine might have been the proverbial kid in a candy store. The film is loaded with neat visual flourishes. There’s plenty of crane shots, dolly shots and great steadicam work in evidence here. At times there’s perhaps one avid flourish too many, such as sped up, elaborate camera moves to introduce scenes, but the fact is on the whole, this film looks pretty lavish. The super 16 never poses a problem either, given that the cinematography, and said visual niceties, add to the class of proceedings. As for the action: well Reine delivers. He knows how to shoot it. Firstly, when Seagal fights, not only do we see it, but often we’re treated to some imaginative and slick camera work. Adding to the excellent Seagal hand to hand skirmishes (the best since Glimmer Man- no wires, all Seagal, all power) we get an excellent car chase and some decent shootouts. Above all, this film has a decent climax. There’s a feeling of a worthwhile finish, with everything coming to a head.

Elsewhere the film has a good sound mix, and the score is pretty good to. In the end this film delivers what Seagal fans not only want, but deserve. We’ve waited long and hard to really feel that satisfaction that flicks like Out For Justice delivered. Pistol Whipped delivers it straight to your door, piping hot, and Big Papa deserves his tip this time. I really do hope Seagal works with Roel again- and the film is in fact left open for a sequel. As a Seagal fan I’ve had to put up with some horrible films, I’ve also, like many, got to the point of cutting slack for the ones that aren’t quite as horrible as the last- but in actuality, just aren’t very good. Pistol Whipped has some flair about it, some originality and some genuine excitement, while Seagal proves he can still take on his rivals. It very rarely falters, and given more financial backing, could have been a worthwhile theatrical release (especially given horrendous pap like Hitman) As it stands in the DTV wars this year, 2008 has delivered a top quality Lundgren flick, and this Seagal flick. Van Damme and Snipes have a promising couple of films due out, that should deliver solid entertainment. But you know what, it does surprise me a lot, but so far Seagal stands out at the front of the race with Pistol Whipped edging ahead of Missionary Man. And you know what else? I think it might just stay there come the end of the year. I am totally, but delightfully, surprised. ****

A Steven Seagal fan

Well-Known Member

Howdy folks, here's my review. And also bear in mind people, you probably know by now I always stand back and look retrospectively and critically before I review. I'm often very realistic (let no one call it harsh) so when you see the following, you'll appreciate just what sort of standard film you'll be in for. Folks this is no pretender like Urban Justice, or even ITS or BOTB, this really is a Seagal film.

Pistol Whipped:
After many years of some of the direst DTV films imaginable, Steven Seagal finally does a film that doesn’t need to be rated simply on: how much stunt work he‘s done, or fighting, talking and general set attendance, to come up favourable. Pistol Whipped in the end, actually delivers not only Seagal’s best film since Under Siege, yes, Under Siege, but it’s just a decent action film full stop. This is far beyond the bare minimum delivery of some of his better DTV flicks, such as Belly Of The Beast and Into The Sun. For starters the film has a surprisingly good screenplay, penned by the guy who came up with Ronin. Indeed it doesn’t suffer from mounting plot holes and pointless subplots, it has a twisting narrative that never becomes too convoluted. The biggest reasons though, as to why this will blow the pants of any Seagal fans who thought Urban Justice was a work of brilliance, are Seagal himself, and director Roel Reine. Both combine to deliver both vintage Seagal, but also a vintage, kick ass action film.

Seagal is up for it here. Despite looking possibly as heavy set as he‘s ever been, he’s reverted to a sheer badassedness not seen since Glimmer Man. Some have pointed to his weight as a problem being the tough guy action man, but truth is, the biggest problem in films such as Attack Force, or Flight Of Fury (to name two of a truck load of Turkey’s) is the complete lack of any enthusiasm shown by Seagal. Essentially the promise shown in the efficient, though mediocre, Urban Justice (which gave Seagal plenty of crunching moves and one liners) is fulfilled totally in Pistol Whipped. Seagal is back to his hard talking, quick fisted best! Not only does he have good lines coming out the wazoo, and not only does he show lightening quick moves in his numerous, and well choreographed fight scenes, but get this: Seagal…gives a performance! And get this too: He’s playing a character with some dimension! This is one of Seagal’s best performances. He’s human here, he’s got soul, and that charisma is turned on. It’s the perfect sort of character for Seagal. It engages him, without going past his limitations. There’s a sense at times of ad-libbing, like Seagal puts a stamp on his character, and that’s a good thing, boy is it a good thing! The support cast is also very good. Paul Calderon, Arthur Nascerella and Bernie MclNerney are all recognisable faces, adding a bit of class to the affair, and Lance Henriksen also does a good job in his extended cameo. However Seagal steals the show here.

Given the films meagre budget, every penny is eeked out to give the film a sleek look, that seems at least double what it is. Director Reine does a great job here. Obviously coming from an Indie film background, means he’s used to working with little money, but given the budget for Pistol Whipped was probably far beyond anything he’s previously had at his disposal, it seems as if Reine might have been the proverbial kid in a candy store. The film is loaded with neat visual flourishes. There’s plenty of crane shots, dolly shots and great steadicam work in evidence here. At times there’s perhaps one avid flourish too many, such as sped up, elaborate camera moves to introduce scenes, but the fact is on the whole, this film looks pretty lavish. The super 16 never poses a problem either, given that the cinematography, and said visual niceties, add to the class of proceedings. As for the action: well Reine delivers. He knows how to shoot it. Firstly, when Seagal fights, not only do we see it, but often we’re treated to some imaginative and slick camera work. Adding to the excellent Seagal hand to hand skirmishes (the best since Glimmer Man- no wires, all Seagal, all power) we get an excellent car chase and some decent shootouts. Above all, this film has a decent climax. There’s a feeling of a worthwhile finish, with everything coming to a head.

Elsewhere the film has a good sound mix, and the score is pretty good to. In the end this film delivers what Seagal fans not only want, but deserve. We’ve waited long and hard to really feel that satisfaction that flicks like Out For Justice delivered. Pistol Whipped delivers it straight to your door, piping hot, and Big Papa deserves his tip this time. I really do hope Seagal works with Roel again- and the film is in fact left open for a sequel. As a Seagal fan I’ve had to put up with some horrible films, I’ve also, like many, got to the point of cutting slack for the ones that aren’t quite as horrible as the last- but in actuality, just aren’t very good. Pistol Whipped has some flair about it, some originality and some genuine excitement, while Seagal proves he can still take on his rivals. It very rarely falters, and given more financial backing, could have been a worthwhile theatrical release (especially given horrendous pap like Hitman) As it stands in the DTV wars this year, 2008 has delivered a top quality Lundgren flick, and this Seagal flick. Van Damme and Snipes have a promising couple of films due out, that should deliver solid entertainment. But you know what, it does surprise me a lot, but so far Seagal stands out at the front of the race with Pistol Whipped edging ahead of Missionary Man. And you know what else? I think it might just stay there come the end of the year. I am totally, but delightfully, surprised. ****

Member

New Member

First Words:
...but i didn't liked that movie that much. The whole way it was made is great. Steven is also fantastic, but i just didn't liked the story. I thought it was pretty boring, had not enough action scenes and i also didn't liked the boring twists... The trailer showed us a great, straight forwarding actionfilm, unfortunately 90% of all action scenes are on the trailer (only the cemetery shootout goes for 5 minutes longer)

Story:
Im really dissapointed. Sorry guys. Maybe some of you will love it, but i didn't. Even if it was straight compared to Movies like Mercenary for Justice or Attack Force, it was just boring. I think too much time of the movie its the same thing. Steven gets a picture from the mysterious old man of a victim, and he kills him, then some drinking, some talk to his daughter and so on. It was just boring in my opinion. I thought Urban Justice was way better in that aspect, even if it was kinda boring too. And also the twists were not good, im really sad, because the movie itself would be great with a better story.

2/5

Action:
Ok, the Action is well done. But i have to tell you: There isn't that much action. The trailer looks like it is an action-packed movie. It isn't. The final shootout at the cemetery is about 5-8 minutes long, but i think 70-80% of all the actionscenes you have seen in the trailer... So i was disappointed about the amount of action, but when there was action, it was made pretty good, really. Not excellent, but pretty decent.

3/5

Fights:
Yes thats were the movie shines. AGAIN!!! Not the amount. I think there were less fights than in most of Steven's DTV's. But in the 2-3 short fight scenes the movie has, Steven was brillant. I think if we just look how the fightscenes were done, this are the best fightscenes in a Seagal DTV. No stunt doubles that i actually saw, not much closeups, not too fast editing. We really can see Steven fighting as he did in his great times... Anyway, there were only really a few scenes, so that was disappointing again!

4/5

Dubbing:
I did't notice any dubbing.

5/5

Stunt Doubles:
I couldn't see any...

5/5

Acting:
The acting is pretty nice. Nothing more to say. I think this is one of Steven's best Acting in a DTV-flick. Pretty good. The other actors were also pretty good. And Henriksen had just an easy role, just stand there and talk.

5/5

Humor:
Oh yes. Great. Steven has again some nasty sentences for all of us, and some great one-liners. Some really funny scenes.

3/5

CGI_Effects:
I couldn't see any...

5/5

Cinematography:
Pretty decent. Great camera/crane movement, great editing in the action scenes. Great locations. Good!!

Overall Rating:
Oh god... Why? The movie would be so cool with a better plot. I thought it was just boring, and really guys, i don't want much?! But i thought the plot of Flight of Fury, Shadow Man and so on were better. It was kinda simply ot understand here, but really i couldn't see a flow in the story, or interest how its getting along, and so on... Just boring. But the parts with his daughter, or some other parts were good. But overall for me, the story ruined this movie. And also there wasn't enough action scenes... But overall at least its not a stinker!
Now im ready for A HIGHER FORM OF LEARNING.

New Member

Like i said, sure some of you guys will love the story, but i didn't thats my opinion.

The whole movie was going too long in the same way: Steven gets a photo - he has to kill the guy, blabla.

Also im sure i did get the story, but i thought it was pretty boring. Also there wasn't enough action to please me. 10-15 Minutes Action and only 1-2 minute fightscenes in a 96 Minute Seagal-flick, sorry, not enough for me

1- There's a few fights- 2 or 3 longer ones, and a few short little beatdowns, but the key thing is they are a hell of a lot better than his recent fight scenes. They are classic beatdowns like Glimmer Man had, Seagal does some great moves in this and you see it all because it's filmed wide and not edited choppily.

2- The cast is better than what Seagal has worked with for years. There's no one who stands out as being horribly wooden, which is good. This in itself means Seagal has upped his game and give his best performance in years.

3- The story has quite a lot of drama. It's not just a balls to the wall action flick as the trailer suggested, but personally I think that's a good thing. The story isn't just some overly complex FBI/CIA intrigue, or all too linear arc that we usually get. In fact this probably has the most drama in a Seagal film since FDB. The thing is, Seagal plays a really dark character, and I love it. He's a total anti-hero, and really quite an unpleasant guy, but you're watching a crossroads movie here. This is one of Seagal's most interesting, and different characters, and because of this, and a good director, he ACTS. He's actually got a handful of really strong scenes.

Overall I would hope not all the fans will be too disappointed about the lack of wall to wall action. I think the key thing is, it has better action than all his DTV films in the last 5 years. It's quality that matters, not qauntity. Sure Urban Justice had a lot of fight scenes, but they look completely uninspired compared to the fights here.

I'm not exaggerating when I say I think it's his best film since Under Siege. Does it have the polish of films like Exit Wounds or Glimmer Man? No, is it his best action? Nope, but as an overall piece, script, story, acting, and the man himself:it's a lot better- Glimmer Man for example had some great fights and good interplay between Seagal and Wayans, but the story was ludicrous. The script here was something a bit different, with some nice twists (and not the 1-2 too many that usually clunk in a Seagal DTV film) and his character was very dark. Just watching it on a pure filmic level, and not simply how much action, dubbing etc it has, it's one of his better movies. It doesn't need to be rated only on stuntwork, adr etc, because actually it's quite a good film. Stuff like MFJ, SM, UJ are only rated in that way, because really, they're not very good films.

big gulps huh

Alright folks, I've just got done watching this and here's my review. To start off they should've kept the title "Marker" it made absolutely no sense to change it. Sure "Pistol Whipped" sounded cooler but it's not like the original title was ****ty.

So far the reviews have been mixed, Tom proclaims it as his best since US2, while some say it's a real snooze fest. Well for me it's in the middle, it got really boring at times, but at others it felt big budget. IMO this is his 3rd best DTV film.

The film is low budget and filmed in the states, so much like "Urban Justice" most of the scenes are interiors of him just walking around and talking. The movie truly does become very boring. The script relies heavily on Seagal's ability to act and keep us interested in everything he's doing. But he just can't do that, and probably never will. The script is very straight forward with a few twists, it's nothing too interesting and it's nothing filled with a million plot holes.

Most of you saw the footage on the directors website, most of you salivated thinking it was going to be an epic action packed film. You're wrong, but when there is action it's mother ****ing phenomenal! I'm not talking about the boring Seagal encounters where he cracks some bones. I'm talking about some really great ****ing shootouts and a great lil chase scene. Whoever made this film really knew how to shoot action, because it came off as extremely high budget. In the past with other Seagal and Van Damme films, these kind of scenes lack power and excitement, not this film.

The film is once again flawed by the infamous body double. It's used very very often and it's not covered up very well at all. The acting was good, Mark Elliot Wilson stole the show as Steve, runner-up would be Renee Goldsberry as Drea. Of course Lance Henriksen makes an appearance but only in a very limited role. His scenes were probably filmed in 1 day, 2 tops.

The score and music was top notch and really helped the flow, everytime I felt like I was falling asleep the music would kick in and really fill my veins with excitement.
So that's my review, his 3rd best DTV, not great, not horrible, but above average.

BEST LINE IN THE MOVIE
Steve: Can you believe this ****, I'm gonna die in a graveyard
Matt: Do you want to be cremated or buried?
Steve: buried
*Matt blows him up*
Matt: You're cremated now mother ****er!!!

big gulps huh

yeah, the action is great but there isn't enough to make the movie good, the movie relies on the script and on Seagal and they both fail. Yes, lot of double shots mostly they came from scenes with him walking around, getting out of a car, etc....

The Dark

I finally got to take a peek on this film. First of all, I am extremely surprised on how well Roel Reine did with this film. The camera is constantly moving at times which really worked really well with dramatic elements added on the film. Yes, the film can be boring at times but it didn't make me sleep because the camera just keeps moving.

After seeing Urban Justice before I saw this one, I know I was not impressed with Urban Justice because of its story and dialogues. Now so, the biggest difference with this film and Urban Justice is the budget and how it was shot. I thought it is very interesting to compare because when it comes to action with Marker or Pistol Whipped, it was extremely well executed and of course they're short but very very well done compared to Urban Justice.

I always knew that the budget was never been the case in order how the films were made, look...Urban Justice was shot for 2 million more than this film and look how it ended up!

I actually enjoyed this film a lot despite to lacking action but it doesn't stop me from liking the cinematography, music, and performances. I noticed some of you were bashing on Seagal based on his perfomance because he couldn't do dramatic perfomance. Well, to me, I noticed some of that perfomance which I haven't seen in long time and kudos for Seagal doing that perfomance.

Despite that it was shot on a low budget and knowing that Roel Reine is an indie filmmaker with good amount use of camera work, I'm giving this film 8.5/10. And I don't know if I ever gave a rating for Urban Justice but I'll say that I gave that film 4.0/10.

Administrator

This is certainly an improvement over other direct to DVD titles such as The Foreigner, Out For A Kill, Out Of Reach, etc.

Plot:
Pretty straight forward and easy to follow. Quite like how Steven Seagal plays a different character for a change. Here he is a disgraced cop, rather than the elite CIA operative that he has playing in his previous movies. I agree with Hofmae though, found it pretty boring and overall too long.

Supporting Cast:
Pretty much same standard as Urban Justice. At least Lance Henriksen is in the movie more than Danny Trejo was in Urban Justice. Reasonable job, most were pretty decent.

Action:
Again car chases were boring. Shootouts were boring, pistols with unlimited ammunition. They must have a cart with all their bullets because so many are fired. Some nice squibs though. We see the same car chases and shootouts so many times in these low budget movies. Most are not very inventive.

The fight sequences were excellent. The good work from Urban Justice continues here. Really enjoyed the fights especially the ones against the Asians at the bowling lane. Again Steven Seagal shows he can create excellent fight scenes and there really was no excuse for the dreadful Out For A Kill, Out Of Reach dross with the stunt double doing most of the fights.

Stunt/Body Doubles:
Did not notice stunt double at all. Body double was there, but not too noticeable. Mainly shot at a distance.

Dubbing:
None. Hopefully earlier lessons have been learned.

Overall:
Best direct to DVD title? I don't think so.

The movie seemed overly long. I personally found it to be about half an hour too long. It felt like a two hour movie.

Some nice aspects though. Good director (looks better than a $10 million movie) and great fight sequences were the main positives. Still i prefer Urban Justice.